McCoy: Vick 'way better' than Geno

— -- The New York Jets may not have identified their starting quarterback, but as far as LeSean McCoy is concerned, Michael Vick is an easy choice over Geno Smith.

McCoy, speaking Monday at a Philadelphia Eagles charity event, told the New York Post that Vick is "way better" than Smith and should be the Jets' starter in 2014.

"Vick is going to be the starting quarterback this year," McCoy told the Post. "He's way better than Geno Smith. Way better. That's no contest."

Coach Rex Ryan has said the team signed Vick to push Smith, a diplomatic way of saying the Jets are not completely sold on the second-year player.

Smith said last week during the Jets' offseason program that he is confident he'll remain the starter.

Vick, however, has four years of background in offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's offense thanks to their time together with the Eagles, which could give him an edge in the competition.

But the 33-year-old Vick appeared in just seven games last season and has been plagued by injuries since returning to the NFL in 2009. McCoy acknowledged that his former teammate will have to stay healthy to maintain an edge over Smith.

"[Vick's health is] the big question, and that's the only thing," McCoy told the Post. "The thing here was, he didn't lose his job. He just got hurt and lost his job to injury. But as far as who's the better quarterback, he's way better than Geno Smith. That's obvious."

McCoy told the paper that Vick would be a positive influence for the Jets, citing the veteran quarterback's leadership during last year's controversy after Eagles receiver Riley Cooper was caught on video using a racial slur.

"He'll definitely be a leader in the locker room," McCoy said. "Who smoothed over a lot of that Riley Cooper incident? Mike Vick -- a great player who's been through some negative moments and is now positive about it. He's a great [veteran], and he'll help the team out in that way."

Smith started every game last season, helping the Jets to a surprising 8-8 record, but he was wildly inconsistent over the first 12 games.

The Jets cut Mark Sanchez (who later signed with Philadelphia) in late March and promptly signed Vick to a one-year, $4 million contract. Vick has referred to Smith as the starter, but the coaching staff hasn't made any pronouncements.

"I respect what Mike said, but I understand there's a competition," Smith said last week. "It comes down to what we do on the field."

ESPN.com Jets reporter Rich Cimini contributed to this report.